Coal mines to recreational opportunities on the Indiana border
Danville, Illinois, in the eastern part of the state, on the Indiana border, has a rich coal mining and industrial past. After many of the coal mines closed in the start of the 20th century, some have become large parks. “Whether it’s city, county or a state park, recreation is end to end in the Danville area,” says Tracey Fentem, sales and events coordinator at the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. The parks in the city often are the site for community events. “Volunteers run a lot of these, and there’s usually no problem getting them,” says Andrea Calamari, a Realtor with Classic Homes Realty. “That’s the spirit of this area.”
Kickapoo State Recreation Area river freezes in the winter time.
Winter Park has vast open spaces used for a variety of outdoor activities and sports.
1/2
City and Vermilion County parkland total over 15,000 acres
There are nearly two dozen parks in Danville, which, combined with surrounding Vermilion County, total over 15,000 acres. Kickapoo State Recreation Area has almost 35 miles of hiking trails that attract cross-country skiers in the winter, and plenty of ponds and lakes are suitable for canoeing and warm and cold weather fishing. Winter Park is on the city's north end, with multiple soccer and baseball fields and a 10,000-square-foot playground accessible to children of all abilities. Golfers enjoy the public courses at Harrison Park Golf Course and Turtle Run Golf Club.
Winter Park has two baseball diamonds with room to spare.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a vast network of waterways snaking around and though the park.
1/2
First Fridays in downtown Danville
Every month, the community gets together in downtown Danville for events on the first Friday that are either free or low-cost. During the winter, indoor activities include Danville’s Got Talent at the Fischer Theatre. During the summer, street festivals include live music and carnivals. The Vermilion Regional Airport on the city's north side is the site for Balloons Over Vermilion, a hot-air balloon festival over two days in July. Arts in the Park has been a long-standing tradition in Lincoln Park, held annually in late June.
History in Danville
Abraham Lincoln practiced law in the Danville area in the mid-19th century before he became president. The Vermilion County Museum on North Gilbert Street features a reproduction of the courthouse where Lincoln spent most of his time. The Fithian House on the museum property is connected to Lincoln, an 1855 Italianate home. The Lamon House on the west side of Lincoln Park is an 1850 cottage home to Lincoln’s law partner. Not connected to Lincoln, the Fischer Theatre opened in 1884 and started as an opera house. It was vacant for at least 15 years before the Vermilion Heritage Foundation took the reins and restored the building. Today, it has live music and classic movies.
You'll find murals of Abraham Lincoln all around the Danville area.
The Vermilion County Museum in Danville, IL was organized in May of 1964.
1/2
Danville houses well below the national average
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average. North of downtown are pockets of homes around or over 100 years old. Most of the housing in Danville is single-family, while there are far fewer condos and multi-family houses. “You can have a lakefront house or one that backs up to a golf course for $300,000,” Calamari says. “There are many people who commute to Champaign because of that.”
The Danville Police Department said that in 2023, the number of violent crimes was down. While crime levels grew slightly in the two-year period before then, they remained far below previous high points from 2015 to 2017.
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average.
Danville has condos right on Lake Vermilion on the north end of town.
1/2
Danville School District 118
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118 is rated a C on Niche. Private schools include the A-rated Schlarman Academy, a Catholic school serving grades seven through twelve. Niche gives First Baptist Christian a B-minus. Danville Area Community College is a two-year school with an enrollment of just under 2,000, while the Lakeview College of Nursing was established in 1894 and has an enrollment of about 120. It’s located a block from the area’s largest hospital, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.
First Baptist Christian School serving kids pre-k through high school.
Schlarman Academy has many large donors to help the school grow, including the community.
1/2
Local shops and the Village Mall
The downtown area has locally owned businesses and restaurants, while the other retail section features chains and big-box retail stores north of downtown on Vermilion Road. The Village Mall is part of this corridor, has about 30 stores, and been open for about 50 years. “Someone recently bought the mall, and we’ll see what happens to it, but it’s seen better days,” Calamari says.
Country Market of Danville, IL is located in Village Mall and one stop shop for grocery.
Village Mall has a mix of big box stores and smaller retail and fast food restaurants.
1/2
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Otis Lazich,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Danville, IL sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Danville, IL over the last 12 months is $124,900, up 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great starter home in Danville, IL. This 2-bed 1-bath single-family is ready for you to move in and enjoy. Great lot, and nice 2 car detached garage, which you access with your side driveway. The home is on the main road, so easy to spot, and this is an opportunity to put a little tlc into your future equity. The property is being sold "AS IS" come check it out. Showings to begin after 5/25/26.
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath bungalow that offers comfort, functionality, and inviting living spaces. The main level features a spacious living room, a separate dining room perfect for entertaining, and a cozy family room ideal for relaxing with family and friends. The well-designed layout provides plenty of room for everyday living and gatherings alike. Step outside to enjoy
Private waterfront retreat! Tucked away at the end of a quiet dead-end road just steps from the Danville Boat Club, this beautifully maintained 5BR, 3.5BA home offers nearly 4,000 sq ft of exceptional living space. Surrounded by mature trees and stunning water views, this rare property blends luxury, privacy, and recreation. Inside features spacious living areas, generous bedrooms, loft/sitting
Investor Special – Blank Slate Opportunity! Calling all investors! This property has been completely gutted down to the studs and is ready for your vision. A brand-new roof has already been installed, and new electrical has been run to the house (interior wiring still needed). With the heavy lifting started, this is your chance to customize from the ground up. Whether you're flipping or building
"PRICE NEGOTIABLE!!!! Prime piece of land ready for your dream home, business, or investment opportunity! This versatile lot offers endless possibilities with convenient access and a great location. Whether you're looking to build a custom residence or start a new venture, this property is a blank canvas waiting for your vision. Utilities nearby. Don't miss this opportunity to make it your own!"
It’s not every day that you come across a home built in 1933 that has retained such remarkable architectural integrity while being meticulously maintained throughout the years. This property combines timeless character and historic charm with careful stewardship that has preserved its original beauty for generations. As you drive up to the house, you will enjoy the superb curb appeal and
WOW! You will not believe the transformation of this 2-bedroom condo! Step inside and see the difference for yourself. This move-in ready condo in Lake Shores Subdivision has been completely refreshed, with updates throughout that take the guesswork out of homeownership. Major systems already done for you: New furnace (2019)Updated plumbing and electricalNew garage door opener. New roof
This charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home is situated on a 0.25-acre lot near the end of a quiet dead-end road. As you enter, you will be greeted by the spacious living area, which leads to the sunroom. The backyard is completely fenced in. The attached 1.5-car room provides a little extra space for your storage needs. It is believed that hardwood floors lie beneath most of the carpet. The roof
Are you searching for a rural escape that feels like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie? Welcome to 2531 Perrysville Road in Danville, where small-town charm meets big-time potential! Set against a backdrop of wide-open skies, this delightful farmhouse style 4 bedroom home overflows with character, possibility, and an abundance of space. Enjoy the sunrise from your front porch and the
Price improvement to $3,150,000! Indian Springs Retreat is a Recreational & Estate dream that you must see to believe. The property has everything you could ask for in a private Estate including hunting, fishing, swimming, trails, horse-back riding with private access to state parks and passive income all located out your front door! Game includes mature buck white-tail deer, wild
This beautifully restored building offers thoughtfully designed studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all meeting ADA accessibility standards. Enjoy the elegance of early 20th-century architecture paired with cutting-edge sustainability, including a geothermal heating and cooling system beneath the property’s parking area. Playground and library next door.With seven national
**Were Under New Management - Contact today for special pricing and leasing options!*Waterview Estates offers a superior location in the North Danville area. Located right off of Vermilion Street, access to employers in the area is easy. Restaurants and shopping are also very close by. The property have gone through some renovations recently, with some upgrades including: new kitchen
This Main Floor 1-Bedroom apartment features an open concept Kitchen/Living Room, Large Bedroom w/ Double Closets, Kitchen Appliances included (Fridge, Microwave & Stove) and Private Patio w/ additional storage. Common area Laundry Facility on-site. Pet Friendly! Tenant Pays Gas & Electric (separately metered). In addition to rent, Tenant pays an additional $50/month for Water/Trash/Sewer.
An income restricted property providing housing for senior citizens as well as those with special needs, Vermillion House is comprised of one hundred and sixty (160) 1 Bedroom apartment homes located in a single 3-floor building. OUR WAIT LIST IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THOSE AGE 62 AND OVER AND FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AGED 18-49.
Located on the north end of Danville, we offer you the ease of convenient living. Just minutes to Kickapoo State Park, Lake Vermillion, Turtle Run Golf Course, Middlefork State Fish & Wildlife area, shopping, restaurants, banks and much more.Voted 2023 Best Apartments in Danville by The Commercial News!
Property Id: 2412722 Beautiful antique Victorian house with 5 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. 1,600 sq ft, 2 story home fully furnished bedrooms, living areas and kitchen. Stocked completely with kitchen supplies, towels, and bed linens. Perfect for corporate sponsorship for traveling employees and executives, traveling medical professionals, patients, relocating families, etc. Great downtown
$1,500 per month
Newly Remodeled 4-bedroom, 1.5-Bath Single-Family Home in Danville, IL.
This beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers approximately 1,800 Sq. Ft. of updated living space, providing the perfect combination of comfort, style, and functionality.Designed with modern living in mind, this home features a completely renovated interior with quality finishes throughout. The spacious floor plan offers plenty of room for families, entertaining, or simply
This 2 bed, 1 bath is move-in ready and perfect for a family! Includes a large living area, oversized dining room, and a laundry room that can double as an office area. The kitchen includes a range and refrigerator. Laundry hook ups are located in the home, but machines are not included. Large backyard great for animals and/or kids! We are pet-friendly, with a one-time $250 pet fee and $25/month
?? 2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent – 1602 E. Main Street, Danville, ILLocated at 1602 E. Main Street, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfortable living space with practical features and everyday convenience.Property Highlights2 bedrooms / 1 bathroomHardwood floorsSpacious roomsConvenient locationComfortable layout for everyday livingApprox. 850
?? 2-Bedroom Home for Rent – 1210 Sherman, Danville, ILLocated at 1210 Sherman, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfortable living space with practical features and everyday convenience.Property Highlights2 bedrooms / 1 bathroomPlank and hardwood flooringRoomy interiorDetached garageCovered front porchWell-balanced layout for everyday
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
